Nigeria Plans to Grow Cassava Industry through Biotechnology

The cassava root is an important staple product in Africa, and its use is slowly increasing in the rest of the world. It has a wide variety of uses and can be processed into food products like breads and cakes, or used for the production of adhesives and biofuels. Nigeria is the world’s largest producer of this root, and the country has seen a growing dialogue about whether or not it should utilize biotechnology to increase yields, extend shelf life, and combat pests. This has also prompted the need for to pass a Biosafety law in Nigeria, after which the Ministry of Agriculture and Development plans to grow the cassava industry and transform Nigeria into a leader in the global food market.